Side Friction - Episode 109 - "An Incandescent Christmas"

December 20th, 2025

Greg, Bob and Ryan the Ride Mechanic close out the year with some final thoughts about Stardust Racers, Six Flags' lack of Christmas spirit, AI taking over, and a list of other stories for the last episode of 2025.

Everyone at Side Friction wishes you and your families a great holiday season and a happy new year!

• Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's family, Universal reach agreement in Epic Universe Stardust Racers death: Attorneys
  • Medical examiner releases autopsy report in Epic Universe roller coaster death
• Two riders stuck on COTA roller coaster drop for 'nearly an hour'
• Palindrome Begins Testing at COTALAND | Gerstlauer Shuttle Coaster
• 'It's part of our history,' Lakemont Park sued by Blair County over century old roller coaster
• The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI reach landmark agreement to bring beloved characters from across Disney's brands to Sora
• Carowinds WinterFest 2025 | A budget-cut cry for help from Six Flags
• Six Flags Magic Mountain pushes back new coaster to 2027
• United Parks & Resorts Inc. (PRKS) Down More Than 19% Since Q3, Here's Why
• DOJ launches investigation into SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica and Busch Gardens
• LEGO contest sparks creativity in young builders with Legoland Galacticoaster ride opportunity
• Wait Until You See This Christmas Roller Coaster in Louisville
  • Texas Tornado - Wonderland Amusement Park (Amarillo, Texas, United States)

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Web: https://sidefriction.com

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Side Friction - Episode 108 - "McBroken"

December 13th, 2025

Bob, Greg and Ryan the Ride Mechanic dive into the Stardust Racers incident again now that more information has been released as well as talk about Six Flags changes and a sampling of various other stories -- and rabbit trails.

• What to know about changes to Disney parks' disability policies
• Six Flags & former Cedar Fair parks make next big changes to unify portfolio
• No criminality found in Epic Universe roller coaster death: Sheriff's office
  • Death report reveals disturbing aftermath after rider killed on Stardust Racers at Epic Universe
  • Universal Altered Report on Stardust Racers Death to Remove Pre-Existing Conditions Reference
  • Kevin Rodriguez Zavala: Death report explains what happened on Stardust Racers ride
• Wild Waves Theme Park in Federal Way announces closure
• Enchanted Forest (Turner, Oregon, United States)
• Six Flags Magic Mountain files plans to demolish 2 beloved rides
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain confirms fate of 2 popular kids rides
• Legoland resorts set opening date for new Galacticoaster
• Dracula Land theme park to be developed in Romania
• CGA will reduce operating season
• Waldameer names new water rides for 2026
• THE GRAVITY GROUP MERCHANDISE STORE

Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction

Web: https://sidefriction.com

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Side Friction - Episode 107 - "Brakefast Buffet"

December 6th, 2025

Bob, Greg and Ryan the Ride Mechanic have an entire buffet of news stories from all over the place to visit on this episode. Lots of big news happening and about the only thing that's certain is that, well, nothing is certain.

• Six Flags Appoints John Reilly President and Chief Executive Officer
• Six Flags Announces New Park Will Open by the End of the Year, 2 Weeks After Shutting Down Another
• Portland's Oaks Amusement Park Gets Green Light for Controversial New Ride Despite Bird Advocates' Appeal
• Is Maverick's Heartline Roll Coming Back??
  • Xcelerator Testing Over 100mph at Knott's Berry Farm
• Supports ON SITE for New Coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure!
• National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives Names Pete Owens New Chairman
  • (2017) National Roller Coaster Museum to expand with Mark Moore Memorial Wing
• IAAPA: New Legoland coaster features customization, Space Creature
• International Drive roller coaster planned from operator of canceled Skyplex 'Polercoaster'
• Disney World Quietly Shuts Down Part of Iconic Ride Without Notice and Fans Are Heartbroken
• SFGrAd Closes on it's last day
• Hersheypark Winter Weather Promise
• Ocean City Council set to vote on Wonderland Pier property again
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg reveals 2026 roller coaster, Verbolten: Forbidden Turn
• 'Random aerial bird strike:' SeaWorld Orlando responds to coaster rider's 'duck' lawsuit
• Lagoon changes toddler policy for 2026 season — those under 24 months ride free

Mastodon: https://worldkey.io/@sidefriction

Web: https://sidefriction.com

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